I am so fearful of guys who aren't motivated in college (especially for high picks). All the talent in the world doesn't do anything if they player doesn't care. And what do you expect when you hand the kid a million dollar bonus. He'll be even more fat and lazy . . .
This was one the main reasons Gholston scared the crap out of me. When leaving early, he was all about the money. Gholston never was movitaed to play Football. He never put on a jockstrap till High School and had to be convinced by the H.S. Coach to play. The coach just saw his physical size, as a freshman, and wanted him on the team. While his teammates at OSU were putting in extra hours training and working out, Gholston was no where to be found. Gholston was a loner in College and didn't make himself involved with the team. Gholston has all the physical ability to become an outstanding player. I just don't think he has the motivation and smarts to improve his one-trick pony skill.....rush the QB straight ahead. That's why I never thought he could be converted to an OLB. Watch the film, after his first bull-rush, he gives up on the play.........at least his teammates...JL & MJ hustle to the whistle. Ask any OSU fan...who was the best defense players in 2007 for OSU....and JL & MJ would be the first two. Sorry to get off track....Gholston, lazy and no motivation.....2009 will make or break this kid.
I agree with everything you said about Gholston, except for 2009 making or breaking him. Rex Ryan brought along Bart Scott slowly -- Scott originally only played on the goal-line defense unit, then after a season moved up to a little more playing time, and then more and more until he is what he has become now. I think he will try to slowly bring along Gholston and not just throw him into the fire like Mangini did (a la Michael Huff). I know Gholston was a Top 10 pick and it is expected of him to contribute right away - but right now he is unable to contribute in the 3-4 and I think we both believe that. I saw him as a 4-3 DE in the NFL, I assume you did too, but I think that if anyone can make him into a good OLB, it is Rex Ryan.
Appreciate your comments. As you pointed out, Gholston was a top ten pick, Scott was an undrafted FA who started on special teams...there is a big difference, expectations. I still believe Gholston will never have success as a 3-4 OLB. He's more suited as a situational 4-3 rush DE. I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt and see what happens in 09, I'm not too optimistic. If Rex and Bart Scott can't light a fire under VG...no one will be able.
From Rotoworld: ***************************************************** Tyson Jackson-DL- Player Mar. 16 - 7:12 pm et LSU DE Tyson Jackson benched 225 20 times at the Tigers' Pro Day Monday. It's not an impressive number and Jackson's offseason has left a lot to be desired. He ran in the 4.8-4.9 range at the Combine and has no vertical or broad jump on record. It shouldn't be a surprise if he falls to round two. Source: NFL.com
